NT politician at risk of losing seat

Northern Territory Labor politician Gerry McCarthy would automatically lose his seat if he doesn't turn up in the Legislative Assembly tomorrow without permission, a political pundit says.

Law lecturer at Charles Darwin University Ken Parish today said a by-election would need to be held in the NT seat of Barkly if Mr McCarthy took another day's absence.

"It happens automatically by force of law if Mr McMarthy doesn't turn up tomorrow essentially, unless the assembly gives permission, which it hasn't so far done," Mr Parish told ABC Local Radio in Darwin.

The ALP yesterday sought three days' leave for Mr McCarthy, who it says cannot attent the Legislative Assembly because he is on "electorate business".

It is understood he is trying to meet some of his constituents who have gathered at polling sites to vote in the federal election.

The Country Liberal Party used its numbers to refuse the requset.

Mr Parish said Mr McCarthy was in the electorate trying to help the federal member for Lingiari, Warren Snowdon, to win the seat in what has been tipped to be a close contest in the forthcoming federal election.

That was not a good reason to be given leave, Mr Parish said.

"The fundamental job of a member of the Legislative Assembly is to represent his or her electorate in the Legislative Assembly when it is sitting," Mr Parish said.

"If it was (a good reason) then why can't Bess Price of Alison Anderson or Francis Xavier or the other CLP bush members take time off so they can help their candidate for Lingiari to win the election," Mr Parish, a former ALP member of parliament himself, said.